“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” directed by Peter Jackson, picks up where “An Unexpected Journey” left off. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), and the company of dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), continue their journey to reclaim Erebor. They find temporary refuge with Beorn, a skin-changer who can transform into a bear. His aid proves crucial as they continue their journey towards Mirkwood.
The Perils of Mirkwood
The company enters the dark and dangerous Mirkwood Forest, where they quickly become lost and disoriented. Under the forest’s enchantment, they encounter giant spiders, leading to a tense and thrilling battle. Bilbo, using the One Ring, rescues the dwarves, further proving his bravery and resourcefulness.
Captivity in Thranduil’s Kingdom
After escaping the spiders, the company is captured by the Wood-elves and imprisoned by their king, Thranduil (Lee Pace). Bilbo, with the help of his ring, orchestrates an escape by hiding the dwarves in barrels. This leads to a thrilling sequence where they float down the river, pursued by both elves and orcs.
Arrival at Lake-town
The company reaches Lake-town (Esgaroth) with the help of Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans), a local bargeman with a mysterious past. Bard is a descendant of the Lords of Dale and has his own reasons for being wary of the dwarves’ quest. Despite initial hostility, the people of Lake-town offer the dwarves support, seeing the potential return of prosperity if Erebor is reclaimed.
Confronting the Dragon Smaug
The company finally arrives at the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo, tasked with finding the Arkenstone, enters the mountain and encounters the formidable dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). The ensuing confrontation is tense and visually spectacular, with Bilbo using his wits to outmaneuver Smaug, though ultimately failing to capture the Arkenstone.
Smaug’s Wrath
The dwarves attempt to trap Smaug inside the mountain by flooding it with molten gold, but this only enrages the dragon. Smaug, in his fury, decides to take his vengeance on the people of Lake-town, flying out of the mountain and heading towards the town as Bilbo and the dwarves watch in horror.
The film ends on a cliffhanger with Smaug flying towards Lake-town, intent on destroying it as revenge for the dwarves’ intrusion. The screen cuts to black as Smaug ominously declares, “I am fire. I am death,” leaving the fate of Lake-town uncertain and setting the stage for the next installment.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is an epic fantasy adventure, part of the high fantasy genre, known for its grand scale, mythical creatures, and rich world-building.
Cast
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Smaug / The Necromancer
Lee Pace as Thranduil
Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman
Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel
Orlando Bloom as Legolas
Ken Stott as Balin
Aidan Turner as Kili
Film Music and Composer
The film score is composed by Howard Shore, who continues his work from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, bringing a rich, orchestral sound that enhances the film’s epic nature.
Filming Locations
New Zealand: The stunning landscapes of New Zealand once again provide the backdrop for Middle-earth, with locations such as the Pelorus River (Barrel Escape scene), Lake Pukaki (Laketown), and the Tongariro National Park (Desolation of Smaug scenes).
These locations contribute to the immersive and breathtaking visuals that define the series.
Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects.
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hair, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Saturn Awards: Won Best Fantasy Film, with additional nominations for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Richard Armitage).
Behind the Scenes Insights
Benedict Cumberbatch performed motion capture for Smaug, adding a layer of physicality to his vocal performance.
The character Tauriel, played by Evangeline Lilly, was created specifically for the film, adding a new dimension to the story.
Orlando Bloom reprised his role as Legolas, though his character does not appear in the original “The Hobbit” novel.
Inspirations and References
Source Material: The film is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” though it expands upon the story by incorporating elements from “The Lord of the Rings” appendices.
Fantasy Literature: Influenced by Tolkien’s detailed world-building and the classic hero’s journey archetype.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings, but the extended edition of the film includes several deleted scenes that add depth to the characters and world.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Expanded Narrative: The film introduces new characters and plotlines not present in the book, such as Tauriel and her romantic subplot with Kili.
Smaug’s Confrontation: The film’s depiction of Smaug’s confrontation with the dwarves is more elaborate than in the book, enhancing the tension and spectacle.
Barrel Escape: The thrilling sequence where the dwarves escape from Thranduil’s kingdom in barrels, leading to an intense chase.
Bilbo vs. Smaug: Bilbo’s tense and cunning exchange with Smaug inside the Lonely Mountain.
Laketown Preparations: Bard’s struggle to protect his family and prepare for the impending threat of Smaug.
Iconic Quotes
“What have we done?” – Bilbo Baggins, watching Smaug fly towards Lake-town.
“There is no light, wizard, that can defeat darkness.” – The Necromancer
“I am fire. I am death.” – Smaug
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
Cameos by Jackson: Director Peter Jackson makes a brief appearance at the beginning of the film as a carrot-eating citizen of Bree.
Arkenstone’s Importance: The Arkenstone’s glowing effect subtly references its significance as a symbol of Thorin’s lineage and claim to the throne.
Trivia
The film was shot at 48 frames per second, double the standard, to enhance visual clarity and immersion.
The design of Smaug drew inspiration from various real-world reptiles and birds to create a unique, menacing appearance.
The production team used a combination of practical effects and CGI to create the film’s elaborate sets and creatures.
Why Watch?
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” offers a thrilling continuation of Bilbo’s adventure with breathtaking visuals, intense action sequences, and rich character development. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the film’s expanded narrative and immersive world-building.
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is a visually stunning and narratively rich addition to the Middle-earth saga, offering both fans and newcomers an unforgettable cinematic experience.
